State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recognizes Bailey Melvin of AC Flora High School as Educator of the Month

September 23, 2022

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis has recognized Richland County School District One’s Bailey Melvin of AC Flora High School as the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program’s Educator of the Month for September.

“The Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program is unique in its ability to equip educators to teach personal finance not just to their students but also to their peers,” said State Treasurer Curtis Loftis. “By sharing this information with other educators, exceptional teachers like Bailey Melvin are increasing the number of South Carolina students who receive high quality financial literacy instruction.”

Melvin is entering her 15th year at AC Flora High School where she serves as the social studies department chair and teaches AP Macroeconomics, AP World History, and IB History of the Americas. Married with two children, she is a James Madison Fellow as well as a South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher. Melvin holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina.

“Financial education and financial literacy are crucial in maintaining a well-functioning financial system. Students who learn the fundamentals of banking, budgeting, credit, interest rates, and more stand to become financially responsible citizens,” said Melvin. “Teaching financial literacy is a challenge but also very enjoyable. Students often appreciate personal finance because they see the relevance of it in their lives and understand how acquiring these specific skills will benefit them in the future.”

The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program provides incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in the area of financial literacy and have a desire to teach professional development workshops to other educators in their schools and districts. Through the program participating teachers have access to specialized training and financial literacy curriculum resources that better enable them to promote financial literacy education in K-12 schools.

Sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics, this statewide financial literacy initiative aims to increase teacher support and involvement in incorporating personal finance education into the curriculum.

 

About Future Scholar

Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, is administered through the State Treasurer’s Office. For more information, visit FutureScholar.com or follow @SCStateTreasurer on Facebook. No state funds are used to market Future Scholar or the SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program.